Final answer:
A 60-cycle interference artifact typically comes from electromagnetic waves from AC power transmission lines at 50 or 60 Hz. Calculations involving inductors in series with computers reveal how well interference can be suppressed based on the impedance levels at different frequencies.
Step-by-step explanation:
A 60-cycle interference artifact can result from electromagnetic waves produced by high-voltage AC power transmission lines operating at frequencies of 50 or 60 Hz. To understand the impact of an inductor on mitigating this interference in a system like a computer operating on 60 Hz electricity, one would perform a calculation of the relative reduction in voltage of incoming high-frequency noise compared to the 60 Hz voltage. It is essential to consider the acceptable series reactance of the inductor for 60 Hz power and the likely frequencies of noise in the power lines. For example, an RL circuit with a specific resistor and inductor can have its impedance calculated at 60 Hz and compared with that at higher frequencies, like 10 kHz, to determine how effectively the inductor can reduce the noise without impeding the desired 60 Hz current.